Heritage caravan explores Kalash culture

The government is taking measures to revive archaeological tourism in the province, says Shagufta Malik, a women legislator and chairperson of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Standing Committee on Culture.

Ms Shagufta Malik was part of a heritage caravan, which toured Chitral and Kalash valleys with a view to explore rich and unique culture of the district. The free guided week-long tour was organised by the Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) in collaboration with Directorate of Archaeology and Museums.

The 30-member caravan comprising senior citizens, students and headed by Dr Abdul Samad, Consultant, Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, visited Kalash, Bumborate and Rumbur valleys.

It was fascinated by the antique and ritual dances during the Chilim Jusht festival of the Kalash people. The symbolic and nomadic dresses and cultural values attracted participants of the caravan, local and foreign tourists as well.

Shagufta Malik said the government would extend all kind of support to create awareness among youth about rich culture of the province through such events. She expressed the hope that the heritage caravan would continue in future.

Azam Khan, Secretary Archaeology and Tourism and Managing Director, Tourism Corporation KP, said the promotion of archaeological tourism was need of the hour both at national and international level.

For more interesting topics related to archaeology, visit archaeology excavations.